If it has proper video control, I do see some nice benefits even without a EVF or OVF. However assuming they did leave both out, they should price it properly.

Proper video controls have nothing to do with mirrorless/DSLR construction. K-mount mirrorless == Pentax DSLR in live view mode. If they implement video controls properly, those controls will make their way into DSLRs too.

I wouldn't say that! A quite heavy camera as this one can double as a fitness device when you have to hold it with stretched arms! "I started using the K-01 and now I don't need to lift weights anymore!"

Proper video controls have nothing to do with mirrorless/DSLR construction. K-mount mirrorless == Pentax DSLR in live view mode. If they implement video controls properly, those controls will make their way into DSLRs too.

Huh? I was referring to software meaning control of ISO and shutter speed in video mode.

I wouldn't say that! A quite heavy camera as this one can double as a fitness device when you have to hold it with stretched arms! "I started using the K-01 and now I don't need to lift weights anymore!"

but will need to have a far more efficient SR to compensate for the movements of my arms

Even without a viewfinder, I think this camera will have a lot of merit. Think of it

I think and think and think and think and think and ...

All I come up with is a K-5 with OVF removed, and similiar price comparing K-5 street and K-01 launch.

If I don't miss something.

Originally posted by m8o

Everyone who loaded the page/thread at some time should have the image in their cache.

+1

And the image shows a K-5/K-r with prism removed (flattened to house a pop-up flash) and probably no space for an EVF because the slot is occupied by the pop-up flash. At least, there seems to be a red SR logo.

Originally posted by sjwaldron

If it has proper video control, I do see some nice benefits

Nobody wants to use a camera w/o EVF as a camcorder. To record the occasional video, ok, but not as a serious video camera. It would have been the EVF giving second life to K mount as a video system.

Well, on the ugly camera thing, this could be the case since Marc Newson is/has designing/designed this thing - it seems that pentax may be looking to get girl brownie points for looks, guess we will see how it goes...

I can't imagine they expect dslr users to buy a MILC without viewfinder, even if the camera natively supports K lenses. Perhaps they think it would appeal to the large masses of point and shooters who have never looked through a viewfinder. I just hope this is not indicative of the direction Pentax is taking. This is by no means a K-r/K-x replacement. 20 grams heavier than K-x (if we are to believe the first rumors concerning K-01), but without a viewfinder...

No other manufacturer has made a mirrorless that supports SLR lenses natively- so this is an industry first, if you look at it.

Adam, why are you insisting on this point?

It lacks basic logic.

I can take any dSLR with LV and break the mirror -- any time! The logo "mirrorless" by itself buys you nothing, it is a negative term specifying that something is absent.

Normally, mirrorless stands for at least one out of many positive attributes too, e.g., much more compact (or lightweight) body, ability to adapt more lenses, an EVF, a faster Contrast AF than possible with a dSLR, cheaper, ... you name it. Nothing of that would apply to the K-01, which is why the EVF was absolutely mandatory with this concept. And a recessed or retractable kit zoom too, if I think about it ...

There is one positive aspect for sure though: Pentax commits to go mirrorless while retaining the K mount. This is very good news indeed. The story line is bold. Maybe just not the first camera released though.